Bhopal: The ruling BJP and the main
opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh are involved in a war of
words over taking credit for the supply of water from the
Narmada river to Bhopal.
With the multi-crore Scheme nearing completion, the two
parties are taking credit for bringing the Narmada water
through pipeline from Hirnai village in Shahganj town of
Hoshangabad district to Bhopal and dismissing each other`s
claims on the issue.
BJP leaders said that the Narmada Water Supply Scheme
for the city was prepared and implemented in the BJP regime in
the State and citizens would soon get sufficient water after
implementation of the scheme.
They said that though the Centre was providing 50 per
cent of the funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Narmada Water Supply Scheme was
prepared and being implemented by the BJP government in the
State.
BJP leaders said that a sizable piece of land was
provided to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) so that it
could be used for commercial purpose to raise funds for the
Narmada Scheme and other projects of the JNNURM.
The scheme was launched nearly four-and-half years ago
during the BJP rule in the State. Initially, the project was
to cost Rs 240 crore but more than Rs 612 crore have been
spent on it so far.
BJP leaders said that the project was delayed due to
slowdown in the laying of pipelines and charged the Union
Forest Ministry for it.
"Union Forest Ministry`s permission was necessary for
the project as the pipeline had to pass through a forest
region but even after many reminders, it had delayed giving
permission," they said.
On the other hand, Congress leaders claimed that the
Narmada Project for Bhopal was being implemented by the
Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.
Congress leaders said that the Centre has spent Rs 306
crore on the project and another Rs 415 crore was in the
pipeline.
Covering a distance of about 60 km, the Narmada Water
is being brought to Bhopal from Narmada river, considered the
lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and laying of pipeline and other
works for the purpose are underway.
Built by the Madhya Pradesh Public Health Engineering
Department, the project is expected to supply an additional
185 million litre water every day to the city.
Ironically, Bhopal also known as the city of lakes, is
currently facing acute drinking water shortage and water is
supplied to the city alternative day.
Besides lakes and tube-wells, water is also supplied
to the city from Kolar and Kerava dams at present.
The water problem of Bhopal is expected to be solved
with the coming of the Narmada river water to the city.
PTI
